One parent fumed at shops running out ‘even though it is only halfway through the competition’
Supermarket chain Marks & Spencer has been forced to make a grovelling apology after it totally ran out of stickers and books – leaving upset sports fans young and old unable to complete the sets. M&S has now said it will not be getting any more – and has refused any refunds.
England play Democratic Republic of Congo later today to see if they can get to the last 16. World Cup fever has clearly swept through M&S customers.
The M&S Eat Well Panini sticker book cost £3 in stores from May – and customers were offered a free sticker pack with every £20 spent at M&S Food. It did warn: “All albums are unique, collectible and packed with players, stats, games and Eat Well inspiration – and once they’re gone, they’re gone, so be sure to get collecting early.”
Now people are trying to complete their sets – but are discovering no store has them. On X one user, Kieran, said: “Pathetic from @marksandspencer to stop the sticker promotion due to ‘too high demand‘ (according to my local branch) when England are still in the tournament and still some gaps in the album, especially as I topped up the shop this morning to get to another £20 spend & another sticker.”
Debbie added: “A rant! Bought a World Cup sticker book from @marksandspencer They frequently ran out of stickers locally. They have now run out completely even though it is only half way through the competition. They have refused to refund the cost of the book even though we can’t complete.” M&S said the promotion was never going to last long. It explained: “Hi Debbie. I’m sorry you’ve not been able to complete the book. This promotion was only on for a limited time to get everyone in the football spirit. This promotion has been really popular and once they’re gone they’re gone. I’ve fed back your comments to the business.”
Mark said: “@marksandspencer I bought 2 World Cup football books for the Grandchildren and spend roughly £80 a week to acquire the Football cards to fill them, I have now be told at my local that they will not be having any more cards in, this is a total #ripoff !
M&S replied: “Hi Mark, I can understand and of course we wouldn’t expect this if they’re partially completed. We would need to see a photo of your receipt in order to help further. Some of our stores do have stock of the stickers left so I hope you can find some soon – Sarah.”
El said: “@marksandspencer my nephew has been collecting your world cup stickers he is one player short please please can you send us one its no 3 Ian Wright?” M&S said: ”Hi El, I’m sorry, we don’t have any stickers available to send . While our stores are starting to run out as the promotion has been extremely popular, I’d still recommend checking on your next visit – Sarah.”
Finally, M&S said: “I’m sorry – the sticker albums were subject to availability and flew off the shelves really quickly. I’m afraid we don’t have any more available at this time.”
